The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is a permanent global system for observations, modeling and analysis of marine and ocean variables to support operational ocean services worldwide. GOOS provides accurate descriptions of the present state of the oceans, including living resources; continuous forecasts of the future conditions of the sea for as far ahead as possible, and the basis for forecasts of climate change. GOOS is designed to: Monitor, understand and predict weather and climate; Describe and forecast the state of the ocean, including living resources; Improve management of marine and coastal ecosystems and resources; Mitigate damage from natural hazards and pollution; Protect life and property on coasts and at sea; Enable scientific research.

Recently pdated:

• GOOS National Activities Summaries were updated for April 2013
• Overview of the Growth of the GOOS Observation Programs were updated for April/May 2013

Updated June 10, 2013

GOOS Programs:

• GOOS Center at Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) **
• Argo - Global array of profiling floats that measure mid and upper ocean temperature and salinity **
  • Data Access
• CPR  - Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey of the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science (SAHFOS)
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
• DBCP - Moored and Drifting Buoys coordinated by the Data Buoy Co-operation Panel **
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
• GCRMN  - The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
• GLOSS - Global Sea-Level Observing System **
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
• GTS - The WMO Global Telecommunications System
• GTSPP  - The Global Temperature and Salinity Profile Programme
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
• IBTS - International Bottom Trawl Survey
• GOOS Data and Products
• SOOP  - The Ship-of-Opportunity Program
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
• Tropical Moored Buoy Networks ** including the TAO/TRITON and PIRATA arrays
• VOS  - Voluntary Observing Ships Climate Fleet**
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview

** Joint programs with GCOS

Ocean Observing Programs:

• BLUELink  - Ocean Forecasting Australia
• Coriolis - Coriolis Operational Oceanography
• DIVERSITAS - Integrating biodiversity science for human well-being
• NCOF Operational Sea Surface Temperature and Sea Ice Analysis (OSTIA) Data
• GODAE  - Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
• MOON - Mediterranean Operational Oceanography Network
• OTN - Ocean Tracking Network
• OceanSITES: ** Taking the Pulse of the Global Ocean
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
• TSUNAMI Information - UNESCO/IOC global tsunami website. A one-stop resource for all tsunami-related information

** Joint programs with GCOS

Regional Observing Systems:

• The GOOS Regional Alliances (GRA) promote implementation of GOOS, both regionally and globally, adapt existing observing systems and integrate them into a common systems, survey the users to determine their needs, and increase awareness, build support and develop capacity.

• The Pacific Disaster Net (http://www.pacificdisaster.net/) is the - Virtual Centre of Excellence - for Disaster Risk Management in the Pacific Region. The Web Portal and Database System is designed to be the largest and most comprehensive information resource for Disaster Risk Management for the Pacific Island Countries.

Essential Climate Variable (ECV):

• Essential Climate Variables (ECV) Matrix

Ocean Observing Systems:

In addition to the observations being made through the GOOS Programs, data are also being collected through a number of Ocean Observing Systems. Those that are currently active include:

• Arctic ROOS - Arctic Regional Ocean Observing System
  • Daily, Seasonal and Long-Term Observations
  • Ocean and Sea Ice Forecasting Systems
  • Program Overview
• BOOS - Baltic Operational Oceanographic System
• ChloroGIN Africa - The Chlorophyll Global Integrated Network for Africa
• ESEOO - Establecimiento de un Sistema Español de Oceanografía Operacional
• EuroGOOS  -  European Global Ocean Oberserving System
  • Data/Product Access
  • Program Overview
  • Edios internet-based searchable directory of the ocean-observing, measuring, and monitoring systems operating in Europe
• ICES - International Council for the Exploration of the Seas
• IMOS  - Integrated Marine Observing System (Australia ROOS)
  • IMOS Ocean Portal Data Access
  • Program Overview
• NOOS - Northwest Shelf Operational Oceanographic System
• PICES - North Pacific Marine Science Organization
• PREViMer  - Operational Coastal Oceanographic Centre managed by Ifremer
  • Data Access
  • Program Overview
• SEPRISE  - European Real-Time Data Service
  • Data Access and Program Overview
• WAGOOS - Western Australian Regional Ocean Observing System

Publications, Documents and References:

• GOOS Documents on the IOC/GOOS web site
• GOOS Documents on JODC web site
• Strategic Plan and Principles for the GOOS

Additional Information:

• The Integrated Strategic Design Plan for the Coast Ocean Observations Module of the Global Ocean Observing System - GOOS Report 125 - 2003
• National Activities Summaries of Operational & Planned Observation Programs (Moorings, ARGO, Sea Level, XCTD/XBT/TSG, TS Hydrography, VOS, Sea Ice, Satellites, Black Sea, BOOS, NEAR-GOOS, Bio/Chem, Carbon, Coastal)
• Overview of the Growth of the GOOS Observation Programs

Outreach and advocacy:

• Ocean United - Global Advocacy for a Sustained Observing System